Chelsea’s interest in Serie A striker confirmed, star’s exit still up in the air

Famous Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has claimed that Chelsea are interested in Napoli frontman Gonzalo Higuain.

The Argentine striker has been in sensational form this season and has scored 33 league goals for the Naples club. Balague also claims that the Blues will consider selling Diego Costa if they manage to secure the services of Higuain.

Costa has been linked with a return to his former club Atletico Madrid. An unnamed club from China has also offered a lucrative deal to the Spain international. Meanwhile, Higuain is expected to cost £37.8 million to the West London club.

Speaking at a Q&A session on Sky Sports, Balague said: “Gonzalo Higuain is a target for Chelsea. I think he would cost around €48 million (£37.8 million).

“Higuain is seriously considering it and if he does move to Stamford Bridge, then there would be the possibility that Costa would have to be sold.

“It’s very difficult for Atletico Madrid, and Diego Simeone in particular. Simeone has told Atletico Madrid he only wants three players. Diego, Costa and Diego Costa.

“He’s determined to get him but it’s not easy to get him as he will have to reduce his wages big time and I’m not sure Atletico will be able to put a huge offer on the table for him. It’s one to keep an eye in the future because they certainly want him.”

Balague also talked about winger Eden Hazard’s possible exit from the club. The Belgian international has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Balague thinks that the La Liga giants are not prepared to buy him at the moment.

He claims that Real Madrid will have to sell Cristiano Ronaldo before moving for Hazard, but that doesn’t look likely to be happening this summer.

He added: “It all depends on the transfer movements. Paris St-Germain are pushing for Cristiano Ronaldo to move to France. Real Madrid think that if Ronaldo doesn’t go to PSG, they will have to renew Ronaldo’s contract.

“If he stays at the club, Hazard may not be the player they go for, but they do need new players. It’s all still a bit up in the air.”